Lone Wolf and Cub
Kozure Okami
Ogami Itto is a master swordsman who holds a position of high power in the Tokugawa Shogunate. Highly trusted by the Shogun, he serves as the official decapitator, assisting lords and samurai who have been ordered by the Shogun to commit seppuku. One day, Itto’s wife and members of his household are brutally murdered by a clan seeking to avenge their lord’s execution, which had been carried out by Itto. In the wake of the attack, two items are left in Itto’s home: his unhurt infant son, Daigoro, and a symbol meant to signify Itto’s betrayal of the Shogun. Disgraced by the false symbol, Itto is labeled a traitor and forced to forfeit his position. He becomes a ronin, wandering the country with his son, searching for the men who killed his wife, seeking to clear his name and avenge her death.
Seasons
1. My Son and My Sword for Hire
Air Date: 1973-04-08
A noblewoman who was forced into prostitution after her fiancé and family were murdered at their wedding, asks Itto to kill the man responsible, a spurned former suitor.
2. Birds Have Wings, Beast Have Fangs / Fangs of the Wolf
Air Date: 1973-04-15
Ogami Itto and his young son Daigoro arrive in a town known for its hot springs, but the entire village has been taken over by a gang of murderous bounty hunters.
3. Ikkou-Bashi Bridge
Air Date: 1973-04-22
Poisoned after a surprise attack, Ogami must face a deadly gauntlet of Yagyu assassins in order to fulfill a promise made to a dying man who saved Daigoro.
4. The Assassin’s Road / Highway of Assassins
Air Date: 1973-04-29
A meeting on the Assassin’s Road causes Itto to remember the events leading up to his wife’s murder, and why he chose to bring his son with him on his mission of vengeance.
5. Daigoro and Omatsu / The Lowly Maid
Air Date: 1973-05-06
Multiple stories interweave as Daigoro becomes lost while seeking medicine for his father and is befriended by a young woman who is being sold into service by a loan shark.
6. Deflowering / Amya and Anema
Air Date: 1973-05-13
When his father is delayed for multiple days after an assassination goes awry, a desperate Daigoro wanders off and falls into the hands of a ruthless gang of criminals.
7. The Guns of Sakai / The Sakai Rifle
Air Date: 1973-05-20
Itto is hired to assassinate a gunsmith who has reportedly developed a repeating rifle, a weapon that could completely destabilize the balance of power in Japan.
8. The Shield and The Castle / The Castle Wall Attack
Air Date: 1973-05-27
Itto accepts an assignment to stop a shipment of gold, assassinate a government official, kill an entire team of covert agents and prevent a small clan from being framed.
9. The Endless Six Paths / Six Roads to Infinity
Air Date: 1973-06-03
As Lord Yagyu prepares to send his last and strongest son, Gunbei, to kill Itto Ogami, the events of Gunbei and Itto's previous duel are revealed.
10. Baby Cart on The River Styx
Air Date: 1973-06-10
A scheming magistrate's plan places Itto in the middle of a war between two Yakuza families, one of which is lead by the daughter of the leader of the other.
11. The Deer Hunters
Air Date: 1973-06-17
While the Yagyu set a trap for Itto, a group of con artists pose as Lone Wolf and Cub and a disgraced Samurai takes on the role of Ogami.
12. Ochiyo's Boat
Air Date: 1973-06-24
As Itto waits for an opportunity to assassinate a sadistic Lord, he and Daigoro observe the life of a young boat woman who must sell herself to support the man she loves.
13. The Mysterious Pickpocket / No Betrayal
Air Date: 1973-07-01
While Itto tracks down the killers of a young woman's entire family, Daigoro becomes caught up in a policeman's hunt for a notorious female pickpocket.
14. North to South, West to East
Air Date: 1973-07-08
Itto accepts a job that will protect the location of a secret gold mine, but the task is complicated when a rival swordsman takes Itto's target's son hostage.
15. The Night of The Fang
Air Date: 1973-07-15
Itto must deal with a well-wishing doctor and a group of shadow ninja when he's tasked with killing a group of assassins who're rgeting the Shogun's lover.
16. Cloud Dragon, Wind Tiger
Air Date: 1973-07-22
Itto returns to a spot on the banks of the Shinobu River where he once executed the lord of a Clan, and faces a samurai he defeated in a duel four years earlier.
17. Asaemon the Beheader / Executioner Asaemon
Air Date: 1973-07-29
Government officials convince Asaemon the Beheader, one of the few swordsmen in Japan with a level of skill close to Ogami’s, to kill Itto in combat.
18. A Meager, Peaceful Life / Half Mat, One Mat, Two And A Half Go Of Rice
Air Date: 1973-08-05
Itto meets Sakon Shino, a beggar samurai who has given up killing for a life as a street performer. Shino urges Itto to give up his assassin life, for the sake of his son.
19. The 8 Gate Attack Formation
Air Date: 1973-08-12
The Lone Wolf and Cub have their work cut out for them when a seemingly simple job turns into a deadly game of lies and intrigue.
20. The Chrysanthemum Inn
Air Date: 1973-08-19
The Lone Wolf and Cub rescue a woman who has sold herself into prostitution in order to stage her revenge on her murdered brother’s evil fiancé.
21. Mercenary Swordsmen / The Crossing Guard
Air Date: 1973-08-26
Desperate to keep their clan from being dissolved, the family of a murdered Lord fake the real killer’s murder and ask Itto to verify their false claim.
22. Bekinoji's Tragedy
Air Date: 1973-09-02
Assassins from the Kurokuwa clan stage a non-stop series of attacks that lasts for days, slowly steering an exhausted Lone Wolf and Cub into a deadly trap.
23. Thread of Tears
Air Date: 1973-09-09
Itto is hired to kill a samurai who has allegedly turned his men against Lord Norikatsu, but the true reasons turn out to be far more complex and deceptive.
24. Concealed Letter of The Yagyu / The Yagyu Letter
Air Date: 1973-09-16
Ogami mysteriously joins a group of “the unclothed”, men with the unusual job of carrying people and baggage across a river where bridges and ferries are forbidden.
25. Daigoro's Song
Air Date: 1973-09-23
After being thrown off a cliff during a battle with the Yagyu assassins, Daigoro searches for his now missing father while avoiding his family’s many enemies.
26. Drifting Shadow
Air Date: 1973-09-30
Itto tries to follow the trail left by his missing son, Daigoro, while fighting off the forces of Lord Retsudo and his Yagyu assassins.
1. The Hojiro Yagyu / Blackfaces of Death
Air Date: 1974-04-07
With his three legitimate heirs dead, Retsudo Yagyu plots to impregnate his illegitimate daughter while sending her brother to fight Itto.
2. A Dark Southern Wind
Air Date: 1974-04-14
In honor of a woman who saved his son’s life, Itto goes to assist a group of farmers who have been conscripted by the ruthless Lord Ichige and his brother.
3. The Yagyu Five-Pronged Technique / Yagyu Five-Prong Attack
Air Date: 1974-04-21
With no warriors left who are capable of beating Itto physically, the Yagyu resort to coercing a ninja to use the secret five prong technique against the Lone Wolf.
4. Waiting in The Rain / The Late Autumn Rain
Air Date: 1974-04-28
Itto is hired by a Clan Lord to kill a spy who seduced and impregnated his daughter, while Daigoro befriends the woman’s now four year old son.
5. Mid-winter Arrival
Air Date: 1974-05-05
To carry out an assassination, Itto must pose as a new head clerk… and to do that he must leave Diagoro alone in a cave during the middle of winter.
6. The Camouflage Kid / The Decoy
Air Date: 1974-05-12
Itto is betrayed by an employer and forced to spend many days on the run before he can return to Daigoro, forcing the three year old to fend for himself.
7. If The Wolf Comes / The Wolf Cometh
Air Date: 1974-05-19
While Daigoro suffers from an illness that distracts Itto, a group of desperate villages conspire to kill the Lone Wolf and Cub in order to pay off their taxes.
8. Japanese Silver-Leaf
Air Date: 1974-05-26
A dogged Police officer tries to solve the mystery of why a Samurai’s daughter became a prostitute and hired Itto to kill a loan shark and his wife.
9. A Woman's Castle
Air Date: 1974-06-02
A prospective employer sends 5 sword masters men in search of the Lone Wolf & Cub. To learn what the actual assignment is, Itto must find and slay all five.
10. The Day To Drive Away Evil Spirits / Exorcism Day
Air Date: 1974-06-09
Itto faces an ethical dilemma when he is asked to assassinate a beloved local doctor who many believe to be a living incarnation of the Buddah
11. Whistle of the Winter Wind
Air Date: 1974-06-16
Against the will of her clan, a woman hires Itto to kill three legendary guardsmen who are escorting her brother to Edo for trial.
12. The Bell Ringer, Genshichi Tsuji
Air Date: 1974-06-23
Genshichi Tsuji wishes to test the dedication of his three successors and hires Itto in secret to cut off their right arms.
13. The Red Cat Beckons
Air Date: 1974-06-30
The authorities respond to a robbery and capture Itto. Giving a false name, he is quickly tried and sentenced. Why is he so willing to go to prison?
14. The Organization of Terror / Footman's Demise
Air Date: 1974-07-07
The brazen criminal activities of those under a samurai’s employ can no longer be tolerated. To stop their reign of terror, Itto is hired to eliminate the gang’s leadership.
15. Breaking Heated Stones / Destroy Hot Stones
Air Date: 1974-07-14
Itto is hired to eliminate a man’s ex-fiancee, but there’s a catch: She must take her own life in penance.
16. Seven-Ri Runner
Air Date: 1974-07-21
Jinza carries messages of such importance he is authorized to kill those who stand in his way. If Otoshi is so desperate to end his life, why would he spare her?
17. Mamesho The Policeman / The Cop
Air Date: 1974-07-28
Mamesho and his daughter, Chie, are on a journey. On their travels, they find themselves repeatedly crossing paths with Itto and Daigoro. Is this a sign of things to come?
18. Drifting Lanterns
Air Date: 1974-08-04
Itto and Daigoro come across a starving Kinpachi on the road. Daigoro offers him food, but could this act set off an unforeseen chain of events?
19. The Winter Dream / Beginning of Winter
Air Date: 1974-08-11
One does not become an assassin without making enemies. That is the reality Itto faces when a lord issued orders that his life be taken.
20. The Female Inspector
Air Date: 1974-08-18
Conspirators hire Itto when an attempt on Lady Onami’s life fails. How will they execute their plan with her cunning wits and bodyguards in the way?
21. The Women of Sodeshi / Resolute Women
Air Date: 1974-08-25
Itto terminates a secret agent, but before the man dies, he asks the Lone Wolf for a request that will take the assassin to a village where only women live.
22. The Zanbato of The Suio School / Suio Style Zanbato Blade
Air Date: 1974-09-01
The Mito clan have little recourse but to hire Itto to dispose of Mondo Bessho for his political views. But what will Itto do when the clan plans on killing him as well?
23. The Funeral Before Death / The Living Dead
Air Date: 1974-09-08
The kojunin have a ritual where they bury their best swordsmen alive. For what purpose does this serve and what does it mean for those left behind?
24. The Sick Star
Air Date: 1974-09-15
When Itto fails to return, Daigoro goes searching for his father. When an old woman comes to his aid, will she end up taking him in as her own?
25. The Thirteen Strings
Air Date: 1974-09-22
Itto saves the life of a young child by dismounting Lady Kanae from her stampeding horse. When he refuses to apologize for his actions, she vows not to forget the insult.
26. Sayaka
Air Date: 1974-09-29
Sayaka burns with hatred over the death of her brother, Shobei. When Retsudo orders her to take Itto’s life, she eagerly accepts the vengeful mission.
1. The Wolf Extinguishers Seek Immortality
Air Date: 1976-04-04
Retsudo has powerful friends, including the Shogun himself. To deal with Itto once and for all, the Shogun places the Guards of the Black Gate under Retsudo’s command.
2. Wet Nurse Parasol
Air Date: 1976-04-11
The magistrate increases the reward for the Lone Wolf’s head when bounty hunters demand a higher price for such a dangerous target.
3. A Tomorrow That Shall Never Come / No Tomorrow
Air Date: 1976-04-18
A failed ambush plays right into Ryuza’s hands. Can Itto survive the bounty hunter’s “genuine hell”? Meanwhile, Torizo cross paths with Itto once again.
4. Silken Cloud
Air Date: 1976-04-25
Itto regularly accepts assassination requests, but rarely does he receive a cancelation. What does the Yagyu have to do with it and what is the extent of their influence?
5. A Mother's Taste
Air Date: 1976-05-02
Osen is determined to escape a Yakuza-run brothel. Will an encounter with the Lone Wolf finally give her the chance she seeks?
6. Your Life is Mine
Air Date: 1976-05-09
Believing that the Daijoji clan is acting under the orders of the Yagyu, Itto attempts to avoid needless bloodshed. But is that a luxury an assassin can afford?
7. The Five Ninja Flowers / Five Sisters of Death
Air Date: 1976-05-16
The Lone Wolf wanders, cutting down any bounty hunter in his path. Now, it is Akane’s turn. If she fails, her sisters must succeed in her place.
8. Season of Death
Air Date: 1976-05-23
An old woman finds a small boy trying to catch fish by the shore. She teaches him how only to discover the boy wanted to feed his sick father, who is known as the Lone Wolf.
9. The Coarse Man and The Adulteress / Unfortunate Pair
Air Date: 1976-05-30
People always have a reason for their actions. Some desire to save others. Others desire to save themselves. As for Itto? There is only the grudge.
10. Guide Along The Line Between Life and Death / Ominous Path
Air Date: 1976-06-06
The latest plan to ensnare the Lone Wolf involves restricting the number of bounty hunters sent after him.
11. Daigoro and The Flower of Happiness
Air Date: 1976-06-13
Legend tells of a flower that would bring happiness to any who picked it. However, can there be any happiness for Miyo?
12. Buei School of Gunnery / The Hand Canon
Air Date: 1976-06-20
Sakai would rather sacrifice his lands than have his men senselessly cut down by the Lone Wolf in someone else’s crusade. It is precisely for that reason he must now die.
13. The Moon in The Depths of The Heart / The Moon of Desire
Air Date: 1976-06-27
Itto’s inevitable journey to Edo is nearing its end, but there are only a few routes left that he can take. His enemies know this and prepare...
14. Omens Good and Bad
Air Date: 1976-07-04
An intentional snub signals that The Shogun’s patience towards Retsudo is wearing thin. With only 10 days to kill Itto, Retsudo hatches a plan with an unlikely ally.
15. The Monstrous Abe
Air Date: 1976-07-11
Oshun and Abe prepare to snare Itto and Daigoro in their trap. They don’t care how far they have to go or whom they have to hurt!
16. Wildfire
Air Date: 1976-07-18
Abe learns the truth and takes matters into his own hands as Retsudo schemes. Meanwhile, Itto runs into a lordless samurai.
17. Cloaked in a Scent
Air Date: 1976-07-25
Cornered and desperate, Abe flees from Retsudo’s wrath. The poisoner’s only hope? Assassinating Itto before his pursuer catches up.
18. The Father, The Son, and The Grenade / The Roaring Thunder
Air Date: 1976-08-01
Itto and Retsudo’s paths will cross at the Haccho river. Will that be where their fates are finally decided?
19. Light on The River of Blood
Air Date: 1976-08-08
The floodgates are opened, and the city of Edo is in danger. In the face of such a catastrophic threat, two mortal enemies are forced to work together.
20. The Day of The Awaited Duel / The Showdown
Air Date: 1976-08-15
Abe watches as Itto and Retsudo resume their duel, hoping the poison he applied to their swords will finish them off. What will the two do when they realize this treachery?
21. Impending Death
Air Date: 1976-08-22
Retsudo is summoned to face the shogun. Meanwhile, the bounty on Itto’s head may have been rescinded, but that doesn’t mean everyone will tolerate his presence.
22. Fathers and Sons
Air Date: 1976-08-29
Itto waits while Retsudo is on trial. Meanwhile, the Grass starts mobilizing...
23. Battle in The Shadows
Air Date: 1976-09-05
No matter what Abe does, Retsudo somehow finds a way to foil his assassination attempts. Abe may have the upper hand for now, but Retsudo is a patient man…
24. The Guardian
Air Date: 1976-09-12
Itto and Daigoro’s paths cross with a man known as Bunshichi. What’s his reason for stealing all that money?
25. The Waves and The Flutes
Air Date: 1976-09-19
The fate of the Yagyu and the Grass are intertwined; One cannot exist without the other. It is for that reason the Grass launches one, final attempt on Itto’s life.
26. Swordsmanship
Air Date: 1976-09-26
Itto has long straddled the line between life and death, but it is not a path one can follow forever. In the end, on which side of the line will Itto finally find himself?
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Rating
7.7/10
Release Date
1973-04-08
Episodes
78 (3 seasons)
Status
Ended
Cast
Videos
Production Companies
Union Motion Picture Co, Ltd.
Studio Ship